Sep 9, 2024 - News

3 Des Moines streets could get 18 speed humps

Des Moines' traffic department is recommending the construction of new speed humps along three busy streets in multiple neighborhoods.

Why it matters: Other types of road safety efforts have met resistance from city residents who contend they go too far and overly impede traffic.

Driving the news: DSM Transportation Safety Committee meets Tuesday to consider the projects.

Williams/East 42nd Street — between East University Avenue and Easton Boulevard — would include nine humps and a raised crosswalk.
Center Street — between 28th and 29th streets — would see three humps.
Hull Avenue — between 2nd Avenue and North Union Street — would get six.

Flashback: Des Moines adopted a citywide traffic calming program in 2017. Dozens of speed humps have since been added.

Last year, the city also adopted "Vision Zero," a safety goal that includes multiple projects to reduce lanes of traffic in favor of bike- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, as part of a "road diet" plan.

What's next: If approved, the projects would be constructed in 2027.

More Des Moines stories